How many years does a payment terminal last? 

Technology ages faster than the device 

Even more important than the model are the technical capabilities. Your terminal may still work fine but not be compatible with new technology. In that case you fall behind, or you can no longer use your terminal at all. Here is a real-world example. After the 4G network was introduced, the masts in the Netherlands were eventually replaced as well. As a result, terminals with only a 2G connection became unusable. Changing consumer expectations can also play a role. Contactless payment, for example, is now the standard. It is a feature we can no longer imagine doing without, but it was once new to the market too. 

How long is the certification still valid? 

Has your terminal's certification expired? Then you can no longer accept payments. New technical requirements sometimes make older terminals unsuitable for important updates, such as security updates.

At Buckaroo, we let you know well in advance when the certification of your Buckaroo terminal is about to expire. We then offer you a convenient trade-in option. 

How to make your terminal last longer 

It may seem obvious, but how you handle your payment terminal also affects how long it lasts. Leaving your terminal in a cold car often is not a good idea. The same goes for other damp environments or spaces with extremely high temperatures. A protective case helps protect your terminal against drops, moisture and dust. Some cases also offer a better grip, which makes it less likely that the terminal will fall. Don't leave mobile terminals on the charger all the time, and only use the original charger.

Want to clean your terminal?  Switch it off first and use a microfiber cloth with a very small amount of screen cleaner. Do not spray directly onto the screen itself. Only use a clean microfiber cloth. Other cloths can scratch the screen.

We recommend restarting your payment terminal at least once a week. Finally, it is important to install updates as soon as they are available. On many terminals, updates start automatically when they become available. 

How can you tell your terminal needs replacing? 

Sometimes you don't realize your terminal is due for replacement. For example, when it has become slower. Compare it to getting a new smartphone: you often notice that the new one is much faster than your old one. Does your battery run down quickly? A new terminal can solve that too, although in some cases you only need to replace the battery.

Other issues that become more common as a terminal ages:
-    The terminal often freezes
-    You see error codes more and more often
-    Keys respond less well
-    The receipt printer frequently reports a fault 
-    The receipt printer no longer aligns properly